OBSTACLE 7: ANXIETY

“I’M HAVING AN ANXIETY ATTACK—FEED ME!”

Anxiety runs the gamut of

being mild and manageable to

severe panic attacks that leave

you frozen in place. The first

step to dealing with anxiety is

always to speak with your

doctor first and determine the

seriousness of your condition.

But when it comes to weight

management, if you feel your

anxiety is making you gain—

you may be right.

You can get and maintain good

health even when dealing with

anxiety.

HOW DOES ANXIETY AFFECT MY WEIGHT?

The simplified explanation is this:

Anxiety creates a fight or flight reaction that releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones.

Your body reacts by craving foods that release a pleasure hormone to calm you and replenish energy stores that may have been used in “fight or flight.”

Foods you crave that release pleasure hormones are typically calorie-dense foods that are high-fat or high-sugar.

You legitimately eat to feel better because these foods physically calm you. And that calming effect can become addictive.

WHAT DO I DO?

The very first thing you

should do is see a doctor.

Everyone gets anxious and

has stress from time-to-time,

but extreme anxiety and

stress can have a detrimental

effect on your weight, your

mood, and your quality of life.

• First things first, see a

doctor and get an

assessment.

USE THAT NERVOUS ENERGY FOR GOOD

Anxiety gives you that fight or flight

boost—so why not use it and burn

calories instead of consuming them?

Instead of reaching for a bag of chips

to crunch out the jitters or a candy bar

to soothe the fear, MOVE! Workout, do

the laundry, wash the dishes, run the

vacuum, take a walk, play a Wii game

with your kiddo—expend the excess

energy in a positive way.

• The added bonus to moving is any

of these activities will take your

mind of the thing causing the

anxiety and give you a reprieve.

Plus, when the anxiety passes—you

have a clean house!

ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR ANXIETY

There’s no easy way to say this, but, your

anxiety will continue to fester until you

address the thing that’s causing it. If you

feel you can’t face your anxieties alone,

talk to a trusted friend or family member,

or visit a professional.

• Face down your fears and find ways to

deal with them in a healthy way that

doesn’t cause your waistline to take a

hit.

CUT CAFFEINE

News flash: You can still enjoy a

cup of coffee without the caffeine.

Ditto on all the other drinks you

consume. Caffeine is a stimulant,

and for those already dealing with

anxiety, it doesn’t help

calm you down.

Ditch caffeine. If you consume a

significant amount, cut it out

slowly to avoid headaches.

WHEN YOU HAVE TO EAT SOMETHING…

Sometimes, you just have to cave and eat something sweet or crunchy to help deal with the anxiety. When that moment happens, make a healthy substitution. For example, if you’re craving salt, heat a bag of low-fat popcorn and munch away virtually guilt-free. If you crave something sweet, low-cal tic-tacs give you that sweet and crunch without a lot of sugar.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Most people have anxiety over something at some point in their lives. The important thing is, you know you’re not alone, and there are ways to address your anxiety and keep moving forward on your get healthy goals.

Remember, unlike some of the roadblocks to good health, anxiety can be considered a medical condition and carries a bit more seriousness, as it can be debilitating. Please see your doctor if your anxiety has affected your daily routine, your mood, and your view on life.